Sanwo-Olu Launches Produce For Lagos ₦500b Offtake Guarantee Fund

Sanwo-Olu Launches Produce for Lagos ₦500b Offtake Guarantee Fund

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has launched the Produce for Lagos Programme and the ₦500billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, an initiative of the State Government aimed at boosting food security, reducing imports, and enhancing agricultural productivity across Nigeria.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the programme and the fund reflect his administration's commitment to achieving food security, inclusive prosperity, and sustainable growth not just for Lagos State but for Nigeria.

Speaking during the launching of the programme at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is Nigeria’s largest food market, consuming over 50 per cent of the food traded in the South-West with a food economy valued at ₦16.14 trillion.

The Governor expressed optimism that the programme would provide guaranteed off-take contracts, access to financing, and logistics support, connecting Lagosians directly with Lagos’s dynamic food economy.

He said the initiative, which is a partnership between government and the private sector, will boost agricultural production.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, also announced and commissioned the deployment of a fleet of 150 cold and dry trucks, the largest of its kind, in partnership with the private sector.

He stressed further that the initiative "will boost agricultural production and reduce reliance on informal and uncoordinated supply channels, create jobs for our youth and increase economic returns for all ecosystem stakeholders.

"It will be implemented through the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company (LAFSINCO) and supported by key Special Purpose Vehicles like the Lagos Bulk Trading Company, Ekolog (Eko Logistics), and the Produce for Lagos Fund.

"This ₦500 Billion Offtake Guarantee Fund will provide working capital for bulk traders, finance for logistics operators, liquidity for aggregators, and credit support for food producers across Nigeria. It is a demonstration of our understanding that our food economy cannot thrive on policy alone – it requires financing.

"This fund is not a subsidy; it is an investment vehicle that will catalyse private capital, stabilise food prices, and de-risk agricultural operations across the value chain. What we are doing here is creating a whole new agricultural ecosystem, one that rises to meet the demands of today and of tomorrow—combining policy, financing, infrastructure, and data.”

Speaking during the event, Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Mohammed Bago of Niger State, Agbu Kefas of Taraba and Usman Ododo of Kogi commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government for the bold initiative on food security.

The governors, whose states are expected to be major beneficiaries of the Produce for Lagos Programme and ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, expressed readiness to partner with Lagos State in the areas of comparative advantages in boosting food security, not only in Lagos but in Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Minister for Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; the Minister of Livestock, Idi Maiha; and the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Aniete, hailed the Lagos State government for the Produce for Lagos Programme, noting that it underscores the state’s commitment to food security and partnership with other states.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, expressed his confidence in the initiative, stating that it would work well in addressing food security challenges in the state.

He also expressed the readiness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to support the Produce for Lagos Programme initiative, which, according to him, will tackle hunger in the country.

Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, said the initiative aims to centralise agricultural aggregation to cut post-harvest losses, stabilise food prices, and create an efficient urban food supply logistics system.

She said the Lagos State Government has launched several programmes, including the Lagos Innovation Club, Lagos Food Festival, Lagos Agriculture Scholars Programme, and Lagos Apprenticeship Programme, to support agricultural entrepreneurs and promote food culture.

 

 

Read More

LASG Steps Up Monitoring Of Physical, Environmental Infraction Within Estates

Lagos State Ministry of Housing has stepped up monitoring of the physical and environmental state of Lagos State government-owned estates to detect infractions, ensure situations capable of causing unwholesome damage to infrastructure, aesthetic and general livability are quickly nipped in the bud.

The Ministry, through the deployment, training, and provision of work tools to environmental health and monitoring officers in the Ministry, is ready to enhance its oversight on all government-owned estates to achieve a safe and sustainable environment.

The Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, stated this while inspecting vehicles provided for the Monitoring and Enforcement Unit of the Ministry to boost monitoring of compliance with physical and environmental regulations in government estates. 

According to him “the sustainability of all our estates is a task we take seriously and the provision of these vehicles for patrol of Lagos State Government estates is a deliberate action to prevent deterioration as a result of deliberate infractions by residents of government estates”.

He stated that the allottees of government estates are required to observe strict adherence to physical planning laws and obey all laws as regards safety and environmental sustainability. He further reminded residents of government estates that “The obligations of allottees are clearly stated in the letters of allocation and other subsequent documents shared afterwards, towards ensuring total compliance to sustain the infrastructural values of the estates”.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdulhafis Toriola explained that the vehicles are assigned to the Monitoring and Enforcement units to make monitoring operations easier for the staff. He pointed out that the Ministry has government estates spread across the five divisions of the State, and the vehicles are meant to ensure that enforcement personnel cover more ground in real time.

Recall that the Lagos State Government has commissioned 23 housing estates in the last six years, and the Ministry has developed strategies to ensure the sustainability of all the State Government housing estates spread across the five divisions of the State. 

These sustainability interventions include the appointment of facility managers to ensure coordination of all-year maintenance of the estate's infrastructure in conjunction with residents. 

Others include stakeholder engagements, public enlightenment, regular monitoring, and enforcement of rules in the estates.

 

Read More

Sanwo-Olu Congratulates Ashafa At 70

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Housing Authority, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, on his 70th birthday.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Senator Ashafa as a committed public servant whose life has positively impacted the people at the state and national levels.

The Governor praised Senator Ashafa's passionate service to Lagos State as Director of Planning, Governor’s Office; Executive Secretary, Lagos State Land Use and Allocation Committee; and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Lands Bureau.

He also commended Senator Ashafa for being a good ambassador of Lagos State at the national level during his tenure as a member of the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, representing the Lagos East Senatorial District, and as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Housing Authority.

"On behalf of my family, the people and government of Lagos State, I congratulate Senator Gbenga Ashafa, on his 70th birthday.

"We are proud to celebrate and associate with Senator Ashafa on his 70th birthday. His commitment, service and contributions to the growth and development of Lagos State as a civil servant, politician and federal lawmaker are well noted in the history of our dear state.

"Senator Ashafa is a good ambassador of Lagos State at the national level. He represented Lagos East very well and made remarkable contributions towards the progress of Nigeria as a member of the Seventh and Eighth Senate.

"As Senator Ashafa joins the league of septuagenarians today, I wish him a long life in good health and prosperity. God will give him more strength and wisdom as he continues serving humanity and our dear country, Nigeria," Governor Sanwo-Olu stated.

 

Read More

Special Adviser Bukola Adeleke Lauds Okudero's Dedication, Urges Care For Staff

The Special Adviser on Christian Religious Matters, Very Rev. Bukola Adeleke has praised Dr. Okudero Gbolabo Omoniyi, Board Secretary of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, for his tireless efforts in sensitising the public about pilgrimage services provided by the Lagos State Government.

This was stated during the birthday celebration of Board Secretary Dr. Okudero Gbolabo Omoniyi, put together by the management and entire staff of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board to showcase their admiration for Dr. Okudero's leadership style.

While commending Dr. Okudero, Rev. Adeleke said, "Your tireless efforts in sensitising the public have not gone unnoticed, and you can be sure of our support when the need arises. I pray that your efforts would be rewarded, and I urge you to take care of these dedicated staff with whom God has graciously surrounded you.”

In response, Dr. Okudero reaffirmed his commitment to compassionate leadership, promising to love and lead his team more passionately to achieve the board's mandate. He expressed heartfelt appreciation for the surprise celebration, describing it as a morale booster.

 

Read More

Sanwo-Olu Launches Wee Policy Roadmap To Break Barriers Against Women Potentials

In line with his administration's commitment to break the barriers hindering the realisation of women’s potential, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unveiled the Lagos State Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy Roadmap.

The WEE Policy Roadmap launched at Muson Centre in Lagos is developed by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation as a strategic, forward-thinking framework designed to address the systemic challenges faced by womenfolk.

Speaking during the launching of the policy roadmap document, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the initiative reflects his administration’s unwavering commitment to gender equity and inclusive economic growth.

Governor Sanwo-Olu promised that his administration will ensure that the WEE Policy Roadmap is not just a policy on paper but a living instrument that transforms lives across Lagos.

The Governor assured that his government will continue to work collaboratively with all state ministries, partners, the private sector, and civil society to ensure the successful implementation of the policy roadmap.

He said: "The Lagos State WEE Policy Roadmap, developed by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, is a strategic, forward-thinking framework designed to address these systemic challenges. This roadmap aligns not only with our state’s developmental agenda but also with national policy frameworks and global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"The development of this roadmap was underpinned by a robust stakeholder engagement process. From government ministries, departments, and agencies, including the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Ministry of Tertiary Education, and Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, to non-governmental organisations, private sector players, community leaders, and women’s groups across the state, including women with disabilities, we ensured that no voice was left unheard.

"This participatory approach helped shape a contextual and inclusive understanding of who a woman is in Lagos State: a woman is not only defined by her biology but also by her social, cultural, and economic realities. Her aspirations and challenges, from youth to old age, must be central to the policies we design.

"This roadmap is not just a document; it is a strategic tool for unlocking the full potential of the women of Lagos State. Empowering women economically does not only lift individual households; it strengthens our communities, grows our economy, and secures a prosperous future for generations to come.

"I urge every stakeholder to come together with purpose and conviction. Through true collaboration, we will shape a Lagos that stands as a beacon of inclusion, equity, and economic empowerment—a city where every woman is not only welcomed but actively empowered to realise her full potential and lead the way to lasting progress.”

Speaking further, Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the roadmap seeks to harness opportunities in agriculture, entrepreneurship, the traditional labour market, emerging industries, education and skill acquisition.

"In agriculture, we aim to increase women’s access to digital tools, e-commerce platforms, and targeted financing to grow agribusinesses and connect them to broader markets.

"In entrepreneurship, the roadmap recommends designing gender-friendly financial services, simplifying access to capital, and strengthening mentorship networks.

"For women in the traditional labour market, we plan to improve working conditions, enforce labour laws, promote family-friendly policies, and expand digital tools that ease access to market information.”

Speaking earlier, Lagos State First Lady, Dr (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, said the policy roadmap is a bold step in addressing challenges facing women in Nigeria.

Dr Sanwo-Olu said the policy roadmap, if fully implemented, will empower women. She said domestication of the policy is very important and also urged women to stay focused.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who was represented by Mrs Agnes Abraham, said, “Lagos is a beacon of diversity and development. Lagos reflects the possibility of gender inclusivity. As we launch the Lagos State Women Economic Empowerment, I urge you to increase budget allocation for women empowerment.”

Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, said the launching of the policy is an affirmation of a collective resolve to break barriers, expand opportunities, and elevate the economic power of women across Lagos State.

She disclosed that the roadmap would break down gender stereotypes that inhibit women’s participation in high-growth and non-traditional industries.

“This roadmap offers a well-defined strategy to address the systemic challenges limiting women's participation in the economy, from limited access to finance and skills to gender-based constraints in both traditional and emerging sectors," she said. 

  

Read More

Lagos Holds Second Centralised Personnel Management Board Meeting For 2025

The Lagos State Ministry of Establishments and Training has convened the second phase of the Centralised Personnel Management Board (CPMB) for the year 2025.

The meeting, which was done virtually, was part of the continued effort to foster career development and academic advancement amongst Officers of the State Public Service.

Declaring the session open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Olubusola A. Abidakun welcomed members of the Board and described the meeting as another significant milestone in the ongoing commitment of the State Government to build a competent and knowledge-driven workforce.

Speaking during the opening remarks, Mrs. Abidakun recalled that the first phase of the 2025 CPMB meeting, held earlier in the year, was a follow-up to the virtual meeting of the Board held the previous year. She stated that the meeting’s primary purpose was to consider staff applications for further studies for the 2025/2026 academic session, which was in alignment with extant rules and civil service regulations.

According to the Permanent Secretary, the Ministry has painstakingly collated 3,730 applications for further studies from 64 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across the State. She emphasised the need for the Board to discharge its responsibilities with fairness, objectivity, and a clear commitment to the continued transformation of the State Public Service.

“The decisions we make here today must reflect justice and equity, and be targeted at advancing the knowledge base, productivity, and efficiency of our public servants,” she added.

Mrs. Abidakun expressed her gratitude to members of the Board for their continued support and collaboration, and urged them to approach the deliberations with diligence and a vision of a globally competitive public service.

The Centralised Personnel Management Board is a strategic platform for vetting and approving public servants' requests for further academic pursuits, in line with the capacity-building mandate of the Lagos State Government.

 

Read More

My Commitment To Environmental Sustainability Remains Unwavering - Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed that his commitment to environmental sustainability remains unwavering as the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation are evident all around.

The Governor made this known during the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) special Tree Planting exercise in commemoration of his 60th birthday held at the setback along Cargo Terminal along International Airport Road, Ikeja, adding that environmental sustainability is essential to Lagos as a state with a rapidly growing population and urban landscape.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Tajudeen Omobolaji Gaji, said Tree Planting is one of the simplest yet powerful actions to combat climate change, improve air quality, as well as create a healthier environment for generations to come.

He explained that the exercise goes beyond celebration but is a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to sustainable environmental protection and the future of the state, saying the exercise is an impactful way to protect the environment.

"As your Governor, I remain committed to advancing initiatives that safeguard our environment and combat climate change from our urban greening programmes to renewable energy and climate adaptation projects," he added.

MG stated further that every tree planted today will help cool the city, improve the quality of the air residents breathe and also reduce the risk of flooding on the streets, stressing that it is also a gift to the future, one that our children and grandchildren will be thankful for.

He commended the LJLA Fellows for leadership and dedication initiatives, adding that the trees, like the seeds of leadership they are nurturing, will grow strong, tall, and enduring, standing as living monuments to the Lagos of tomorrow.

Samwo-Olu said the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy represents the leaders who understand that true progress is measured not just by economic growth but by sustainability and impact.

He recalled that the academy was named in honour of late Alhaji Lateef Jakande for being a man of vision and service, adding that the initiative will beautifully reflect his values, foresight, inclusiveness and the courage to plant what others will one day harvest.

According to him, “it is fitting that these young leaders have chosen an activity that not only honours my life but also contributes meaningfully to the future of our state.”

The Governor emphasised that true change requires collective ownership; as such, urging Lagosians to join the movement to plant a tree, care for it, and watch it grow as a symbol of their contribution to the shared future.

 

Read More